CM demands more money for development

It’s good news for the state in its golden jubilee year. The Planning Commission of India on Thursday approved a hike of Rs 4,000 crore in the state’s annual plan for year 2010-11.

The government placed before the Commission a demand for 100 per cent grant for Mumbai’s infrastructure projects. This included Rs 3,359 cr for trans-harbour link and Mithi river expansion. In addition to this, the state asked for Rs 4,700 cr for viability gap funding of other mega projects in the city. The government said this would help making the metro a global center.

Last month, the State had placed a plan of Rs 33,934 crore in the Budget Session for the Legislature’s approval. Since it did not get the plan approved by the Commission, tt had made a commitment that it would get plan size increased.

In a marathon meeting with the Commission in New Delhi, Chief Minister Ashok Chavan asked for extra approval. The Commission granted its nod for Rs 37,916 crore.

Last year, the state had spent Rs 32,000 cr which was Rs 8,000 cr more than the previous year.

Chavan told the Commission that the state would allocate substantial funds to the backward regions.

He demanded the Commission’s approval for Rs 7,262 crore special package for farmer suicide-hit six districts in Vidarbha.

Chavan demanded Rs 100 cr for procuring modern arms for the police who fight against Naxalites. He said that the state needed extra money to complete irrigation projects and boost power sector.

These additional demands, including that for Mumbai, are of Rs 15,261 crore.

Chavan asked the Commission to support the state in private-public partnership in health care, education and agro product marketing sectors.

He said that the needed Centre’s assistance in textile, dairy and fisheries.

Later, Deputy Chairman of the Plan Commission Montek Singh Ahaluwalia complimented the state for excellent performance. “Maharashtra has set an example for other state on collecting more revenue and attracting more investment,” he told media after the meeting.